Home / Environment / London's Forest City Grows: Thousands Get Free Trees
London's Forest City Grows: Thousands Get Free Trees
23 Sep
Summary
- Thousands of trees were distributed to residents on National Tree Day.
- London is the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada, boosting tree initiatives.
- The city aims for 34% tree canopy cover by 2065 and is on track.
London celebrated National Tree Day with a large, city-sponsored tree giveaway on Wednesday, distributing thousands of saplings to eager residents. This annual event, a key part of London's effort to enhance its urban forest, saw long lines of vehicles collecting free trees, with each car allowed up to two saplings from a selection of over a dozen species.
The giveaway gains extra significance as London has been named the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada by the Canadian Institute of Forestry. City officials emphasized the environmental benefits, including climate resiliency, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. London aims to reach 34% tree canopy cover by 2065 and is reportedly on track to achieve this ambitious goal.
With over seven million trees currently in the city, including 1.8 million maintained by the municipality, these giveaways are vital for continued growth. Residents chose from popular varieties like Sugar Maple and fruit-bearing trees. Participants also received a free bag of Green Bin compost to aid their new trees' care during their crucial first year.
